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‘How do scientists assess the health of Lake Superior’ is the focus of FREE scientific excursions that will be offered at the Strawberry Festival from 1-6 pm, Saturday, July 7, departing from the Chassell marina.
The public is invited to sign up for a FREE 30-minute scientific excursion aboard Michigan Tech’s research vessel Agassiz on July 7th, by calling the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach at 906-487-3341 or coming to the Chassell Marina dock on Saturday from 12:30 to 5 pm, to get on the list. Spaces go quickly. Each excursion has room for 18 participants. Half of available spaces will be saved for onsite participants.
On each scientific excursion, Dr. Cory MacDonald, a scientist in the Michigan Tech Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering will demonstrate the use of sampling equipment to collect data on: water clarity, temperature, and turbidity that tells us about the health of the lake– and Chassell Bay. Dr. MacDonald will explain the link between land uses and the health of the Great Lakes.
Space is limited to 18 persons per excursion (children must be at least 7 years of age and be accompanied by an adult). Life jackets are available for all passengers. Please wear closed toe shoes.
Remotely-Operated-Vehicle (ROV) demonstrations will also be conducted from the Chassell Marina dock by Michigan Tech Great Lakes Research Center researchers from 1-4 pm in the afternoon.
“Copper Country residents and visitors are encouraged to learn how scientists study the Great Lakes and which measurements indicate a healthy lake,” explains Joan Chadde, Director of the Center for Science & Environmental Outreach, who has coordinated this program as part of Strawberry Festival since 2006.
“These scientific excursions for the public have been extremely popular. Both youth and adults enjoy the opportunity to interact with Great Lakes scientists and get their questions answered,” adds Chadde.
The event is coordinated by the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach and Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center, and funded by the GM Ride the Waves Program.
The GM Ride the Waves Program puts more than 600 Copper Country youth and adults on the water each year to learn about the Great Lakes and Lake Superior, and promote STEM careers. Financial support is also provided by the Chassell Lions Club.
To reserve a space on an excursion: Click Here or go to the Center’s webpage: https://blogs.mtu.edu/cseo/ or call the Center at: (906) 487-3341. Reservations can also be made at the marina dock at the Strawberry Festival.
